Homeless in RI: Encampments, Migrant surge plan, Newport report, pallet village, “in our own words”

Encampment on Branch Avenue, Providence

Mayor Smiley has sent providers to the area, which is state property. The individuals living there are waiting for shelter placement. Smiley says, “it’s frustrating to me that we have to go through the same process of asking permission to clear property”; wants blanket permission to do so. Circular patterns.

Migrant surge plan in Providence

Mayor Smiley has a short term plan in case migrants are shipped into RI – it would accommodate 48-72 hours to meet their basic needs – then it will be the state’s duty to take over from there, and to pay for it. He noted that each state gets federal money for this purpose. Providence has worked with RI EMA to coordinate the plan for 2 days – and then turn it over to the state. Smiley says there have been no influx of people since he began as Mayor. Housing in short term: cots, supplies are in storage – they would be set up in rec centers and libraries for the 2 days. RINews Today asked the RI EMA for its migrant surge plan and did not hear back.

Pallet Shelter village – Echo Village – in Providence + Homeless Veterans

The shelters are up and have a planned “early spring” occupancy. Several groups have asked the state if there will be a priority for homeless veterans, of which there will not be. As we understand it people selected for the temporary pallet shelters will come from the CES waiting list.

Here is the flyer from the company that manufactures the Pallet Shelters, by brand name:

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Newport – MLK Center Shelter

93 people have used the Emergency Overnight Warming Center this winter season. This effort was supported by the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Newport, with its partners, CODAC, City of Newport, RI Coalition to End Homelessness, Town of Middletown, Saint John’s Newport, and Newport Mental Health.

House of Hope – expanded shelters

Operation First Step has a 12-person men’s shelter in Providence and a six-person women’s shelter in North Providence. The Operation First Step men’s shelter is located in a multi-family house in a quiet residential neighborhood.

Street Sights – in their own words

We continue to bring you the most current issue of Street Sights – Rhode Island’s only Homeless Magazine and Resource Guide, curated and published by Janice Luongo: